Jun 23, 2014, 10:17 pm
Last edit by: Boraxo
US/Canadian-issued ABTC can only be used to access the APEC/Crew/Diplomat lane. It does not replace/waive any visa requirements. Chinese embassy webpages mentioning visa not being required is for ABTC with CHN endorsed on the back. No US/Canadian-issued ABTC will have that endorsement.
The button to renew your US/Canadian ABTC will appear in your profile 30 days before the card expiration date.
Locations confirmed up and running:
AUS
BOS (Logan) only one of the two signature pads was working (late nov 2014)
BOS (Logan) still only 1 signature panel working, and a bit of confusion, but it all worked out (Jan 2015)
CVG (Minneola Pike)
EWR
IAD signature capture working in GE enrollment center; walk-in accepted after appointments accommodated - I was in the office for less than two minutes
IAH (outside security in E, no word on inside security GE office yet)
JFK (walk-in accepted; entrance directly across from Central Diner on arrivals level, T-4)
LAS
LAX
Long Beach, CA (downtown CBP Seaport offices, not LGB airport); posted as No Walk In, but may accommodate just the signature capture
MIA
MCO
ORD
PHX (Terminal 4, behind #6 baggage carousel)
SEA (Nexus office)
SFO (walk-in)
TUS (walk-in accepted)
Washington, DC/Reagan Bldg. walked in, only person there, signature captured, walked out, all within 5 minutes
YYZ (Nexus office)
YVR (Nexus office)
Usage Experience Updates:
BKK - 11/11/14 - success, 03/19/17 - success, 05/10/17 - success
CGK - 02/20/15 - denied (exit), 05/10/17 - success (exit), 08/20/17 - success (entry)
CRK - 10/28/16 - success, but only 30 days, not 59 days for no-endorsement US issued ABTC.
CTU - 03/18/16 - denied -(APAC lane has limited hours)
CUN - 12/30/17 & 12/27/19 - success (with family) but difficult to enter express lane due to pushback from line monitor
DMK - 9/20/17 inbound - success, had to go under lane ropes; use Official/Diplomatic, not Crew. No APEC markings.
DPS - 03/08/15 - success but with pushback (exit)
GMP - 09/18/14 - success, 03/18/15 - success (arrival)
HKG - 09/21/14 - success, 02/28/15 - success, 02/29/15 - success (exit), 3/18/17 success, 3/19/17 - success (exit)
HKT - 12/23 - success on entry - sign says +1 allowed and "THA" endorsement required, but didn't even check the back of card. On departure the APEC lane was not staffed
HND - 07/30/14, 03/30/23 - success - lane in clearly marked
ICN - 09/13/14 - success, 03/24/25 - success (departure)
KUL - 03/10/16 - success
MEX - 06/28/15 - success, 7/11/17 - success
MNL - 11/27/2015 - success (T1) (business visa not necessary for U.S. citizens) 59 days (depends on agent training. Most give 59, some give only 30, (Oct 2018))
NRT - 12/1/2014 - success both inbound and outbound immigration (visa not needed); 9/25/17 - inbound success
PEK - 07/25/14 - success (T3)
POM - 11/01/15 - denied, PNG immigration has a sign saying "only endorsed ABTC cards"
PVG - 07/24/14 - success (T2)
PVR - 11/2018, 4/2021 success (with family),4/2023 fail
SGN - 09/04/2014 - success (visa on arrival), 02/15/2017 - denied (visa on arrival)
SHA - 11/10/2014 - success
SJD - 6/2017 & 6/2018 - success (with family)
SIN - 2/3/2016 - denied, 5/3/2017 - success; 9/16/17 - success at APEC lane
TPE - 07/24/14 - success (T2), 9/30 - success (T1), 10/12 - Denied (T2), 02/24/2015 - success (T1), 5/11 & 5/13 - success (T1)
YUL - 11/2014 - success inbound (repeatedly into 2016 via dip line)
YVR - 06/2015 - success inbound
YYZ - 07/2016 - Success inbound
SCL - 04/02/2017 - Success inbound
LIM - 12/04/2017 - Success inbound
China land crossings from HK:
Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Huanggang, Shenzhen Bay - 09/29/14 reported - success
China Train crossings from HK:
Dongguan and Guangzhou - 09/29/14 reported - success
Hung Hom (Hong Kong's International Train Station) - 04/30/15 - success in both directions
China Seaports from HK/Macau:
Shekou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Baoan and and Macau/China ferry terminal in Hong Kong - 09/29/14 reported - success
[On all above China-HK crossings look, to use ABTC to enter/exit China, look for the "Special" counters]
For CGK: Go to line marked 3 on left side just before main immigration hall. If you get to line in main hall you've gone too far. Do not use crew line.
Locations confirmed up and running:
AUS
BOS (Logan) only one of the two signature pads was working (late nov 2014)
BOS (Logan) still only 1 signature panel working, and a bit of confusion, but it all worked out (Jan 2015)
CVG (Minneola Pike)
EWR
IAD signature capture working in GE enrollment center; walk-in accepted after appointments accommodated - I was in the office for less than two minutes
IAH (outside security in E, no word on inside security GE office yet)
JFK (walk-in accepted; entrance directly across from Central Diner on arrivals level, T-4)
LAS
LAX
Long Beach, CA (downtown CBP Seaport offices, not LGB airport); posted as No Walk In, but may accommodate just the signature capture
MIA
MCO
ORD
PHX (Terminal 4, behind #6 baggage carousel)
SEA (Nexus office)
SFO (walk-in)
TUS (walk-in accepted)
Washington, DC/Reagan Bldg. walked in, only person there, signature captured, walked out, all within 5 minutes
YYZ (Nexus office)
YVR (Nexus office)
Usage Experience Updates:
BKK - 11/11/14 - success, 03/19/17 - success, 05/10/17 - success
CGK - 02/20/15 - denied (exit), 05/10/17 - success (exit), 08/20/17 - success (entry)
CRK - 10/28/16 - success, but only 30 days, not 59 days for no-endorsement US issued ABTC.
CTU - 03/18/16 - denied -(APAC lane has limited hours)
CUN - 12/30/17 & 12/27/19 - success (with family) but difficult to enter express lane due to pushback from line monitor
DMK - 9/20/17 inbound - success, had to go under lane ropes; use Official/Diplomatic, not Crew. No APEC markings.
DPS - 03/08/15 - success but with pushback (exit)
GMP - 09/18/14 - success, 03/18/15 - success (arrival)
HKG - 09/21/14 - success, 02/28/15 - success, 02/29/15 - success (exit), 3/18/17 success, 3/19/17 - success (exit)
HKT - 12/23 - success on entry - sign says +1 allowed and "THA" endorsement required, but didn't even check the back of card. On departure the APEC lane was not staffed
HND - 07/30/14, 03/30/23 - success - lane in clearly marked
ICN - 09/13/14 - success, 03/24/25 - success (departure)
KUL - 03/10/16 - success
MEX - 06/28/15 - success, 7/11/17 - success
MNL - 11/27/2015 - success (T1) (business visa not necessary for U.S. citizens) 59 days (depends on agent training. Most give 59, some give only 30, (Oct 2018))
NRT - 12/1/2014 - success both inbound and outbound immigration (visa not needed); 9/25/17 - inbound success
PEK - 07/25/14 - success (T3)
POM - 11/01/15 - denied, PNG immigration has a sign saying "only endorsed ABTC cards"
PVG - 07/24/14 - success (T2)
PVR - 11/2018, 4/2021 success (with family),4/2023 fail
SGN - 09/04/2014 - success (visa on arrival), 02/15/2017 - denied (visa on arrival)
SHA - 11/10/2014 - success
SJD - 6/2017 & 6/2018 - success (with family)
SIN - 2/3/2016 - denied, 5/3/2017 - success; 9/16/17 - success at APEC lane
TPE - 07/24/14 - success (T2), 9/30 - success (T1), 10/12 - Denied (T2), 02/24/2015 - success (T1), 5/11 & 5/13 - success (T1)
YUL - 11/2014 - success inbound (repeatedly into 2016 via dip line)
YVR - 06/2015 - success inbound
YYZ - 07/2016 - Success inbound
SCL - 04/02/2017 - Success inbound
LIM - 12/04/2017 - Success inbound
China land crossings from HK:
Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau, Huanggang, Shenzhen Bay - 09/29/14 reported - success
China Train crossings from HK:
Dongguan and Guangzhou - 09/29/14 reported - success
Hung Hom (Hong Kong's International Train Station) - 04/30/15 - success in both directions
China Seaports from HK/Macau:
Shekou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Baoan and and Macau/China ferry terminal in Hong Kong - 09/29/14 reported - success
[On all above China-HK crossings look, to use ABTC to enter/exit China, look for the "Special" counters]
For CGK: Go to line marked 3 on left side just before main immigration hall. If you get to line in main hall you've gone too far. Do not use crew line.
US/Canadian Issued ABTC/APEC Business Travel Card: Updates, Experiences, Q&A
Sep 11, 2017, 9:32 am
#1276
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, Qatar Gold, Delta MM
Posts: 136
Here's another data point. In the past year I moved from Singapore to Thailand but I forgot to update my address. I just renewed my passport so I went to the website to update my Global Entry and also renewed my APEC.
Since I both changed my passport number and my address is now in another country I was worried there might be a problem. There wasn't. My Global entry was extended to my birthday in 2019 and I paid the $70 to renew my APEC. It's now good until 2023 - five years beyond the original expiration date. I'm pleased. Now I just hope the APEC card can get to me with the unreliable local mail service.
Since I both changed my passport number and my address is now in another country I was worried there might be a problem. There wasn't. My Global entry was extended to my birthday in 2019 and I paid the $70 to renew my APEC. It's now good until 2023 - five years beyond the original expiration date. I'm pleased. Now I just hope the APEC card can get to me with the unreliable local mail service.
Sep 11, 2017, 7:23 pm
#1277
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott Ti/LTP
Posts: 1,329
Just went through YYZ terminal 1. There isn't a signed line, but the helpers directed me to the far right line for crew and special services. Was through in 30s. Excellent experience and was probably faster than nexus - which I don't have.
Sep 11, 2017, 8:02 pm
#1279
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
Did you use it for your arrival or departure?
Sep 11, 2017, 8:09 pm
#1280
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
Sep 11, 2017, 8:14 pm
#1281
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,635
I'm confused. Someone familiar with NEXUS being fast would know there is no formal CBSA inspection on departure from Canada.
Sep 11, 2017, 8:47 pm
#1282
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
But isn't it there crew and special services lane when you reach security?
Also, ABTC card can be used when departing Canada for USA
Sep 11, 2017, 9:24 pm
#1283
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,635
Pretty sure GoSh4rks wasn't referring to that as ABTC does not offer anything for security screening. High doubt there is lane dedicated to "crew and special services" to access security checkpoints.
Sep 11, 2017, 11:43 pm
#1285
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,781
Sep 12, 2017, 1:44 am
#1286
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,635
GoSh4rks was merely stating ABTC was used to clear CBSA on arrival into Canada. He/she didn't mention anything about security screening. TAHKUCT was the one who introduced security screening into the conversation.
Sep 12, 2017, 9:37 pm
#1287
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: China
Programs: OZ*G, Nexus, APEC
Posts: 122
Problems using my Canadian ABTC (APEC) card in Hong Kong
This has happened to me twice when exiting Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal using the special lane.
The customs officer looks at the back of my card where it says "Valid for entry to: " and sees that nothing is printed there. He then says "Sorry sir, this card is not valid in Hong Kong."
I try to explain to him that all ABTC cards from Canada and USA look like this because they are not valid for visa-free travel, only for using the special lane / diplomatic lane. The idiot just keeps telling me that the card is not valid in Hong Kong and I should check why there are no countries printed on the back.
This exact same situation happened to me on 2 of 3 recent visits to HK when exiting the HK-Macau Ferry Terminal. I have never had a problem using the card in the special lane when entering HK through the same ferry terminal. Also no problems entering/exiting from the airport in Hong Kong or entering and exiting China.
Has anyone else had this problem with a Canadian or USA ABTC card?
Does anyone know if Canada plans to join APEC as a full member in the future?
The customs officer looks at the back of my card where it says "Valid for entry to: " and sees that nothing is printed there. He then says "Sorry sir, this card is not valid in Hong Kong."
I try to explain to him that all ABTC cards from Canada and USA look like this because they are not valid for visa-free travel, only for using the special lane / diplomatic lane. The idiot just keeps telling me that the card is not valid in Hong Kong and I should check why there are no countries printed on the back.
This exact same situation happened to me on 2 of 3 recent visits to HK when exiting the HK-Macau Ferry Terminal. I have never had a problem using the card in the special lane when entering HK through the same ferry terminal. Also no problems entering/exiting from the airport in Hong Kong or entering and exiting China.
Has anyone else had this problem with a Canadian or USA ABTC card?
Does anyone know if Canada plans to join APEC as a full member in the future?
Sep 12, 2017, 11:31 pm
#1288
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott Ti/LTP
Posts: 1,329
Nope, not thinking of pre-check. You need GE/Nexus to access the CATSA expedited security lines. Or be crew/military.
Sep 13, 2017, 2:33 pm
#1289
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,531
Do either Nexus or ABTC/APEC come into play during this process?
Jamie
Sep 14, 2017, 6:06 am
#1290
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,945
You can use a transfer desk before you get to escalators that take you downstairs. No need for either Nexus or ABTC. Usually there isn't a line and most of the time there are two agents.
